Notes

Group Tour Essentials

VisasVisitors from most countries, including UK, EU and US
visitors require a visa for entering Central African Republic. There is
no CAR Embassy in the UK, and applications must be made to the embassy
in Paris. Many people prefer to use a visa agency to assist with this.
There is however an embassy in the US.

Visa regulations can frequently change. Therefore we recommend that you
check with your nearest embassy for the most up to date details.

Passport

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full
passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to the
UK. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two
blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration
authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two
blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these
requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry
by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination
please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively UK
citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Airport TaxThere is departure tax of CFA10,000 to be paid
when exiting the Central African Republic.

Health and ImmunisationsAs with travel to most parts of
Africa, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or
a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the
necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost
certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the
following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Polio and Typhoid.

Anti-malaria medication will also be required and the use of a
DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into the
Central African Republic.

• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard
policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover

• legal expenses cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions

Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will
not cover you.

Practical information

Local CurrencyThe local currency in CAR is the CFA. For
current exchange rates visit www.xe.com. The CFA is rarely obtainable
outside of Central Africa, and so it is best to bring currency in Euros.
It is possible to exchange US dollars but it is more difficult to do so.

Where currency can be exchangedExchange facilities are
available in Bangui. However Sangha Lodge will also accept Euros.

Credit cards and travellers chequesAs a general rule we
advise against taking travellers’ cheques as these will be difficult, if
not impossible to change. The use of credit cards is limited to the top
hotels in Bangui. As a sensible ‘back-up’ your card provider may be able
to arrange an over the counter cash advance from a Bangui bank – but you
should check with your card issuer before travel.

Best time to goBeing situated close to the equator, the
Central African Republic enjoys a year round warm climate. Rainfall
occurs throughout the year, with precipitation averages higher between
the months of April and October. However even when the average rainfall
increases at this time of year, it does not rain every day

Main LanguageThe official language is French. There are many
local languages, the most widely spoken being Sango. Other than with
your guide, you will find little English is spoken.

Main ReligionApproximately 25% Roman Catholic, 25%
Protestant, 15% Muslim and the remainder of the population following
other beliefs, including indigenous religions.

Food and drinkOn our tour to the Central African Republic,
meals are included at Sangha Lodge. International style cuisine will be
served, sometimes with local dishes for you to try.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the
time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we
cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

TransportOur tours in the Central African Republic use 4wd
vehicles. For river trips, small dug out canoes are used.

We also use privately charted flights to fly between Bangui and Bayanga.

Local conditionsTravelling in the destinations that we visit
requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t
be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as
possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less
developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to
make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we
need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid KitThe first thing on your list should be a first
aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best
advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient
supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

ClothingWhen it comes to clothing it is usually recommended
that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night.
A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the
sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days
that the weather may be wet or windy.

FootwearFootwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable
walking shoes/boots are recommended.

LuggageYour luggage should not exceed 12kgs (26lbs). One
large rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. We
advise you to travel with a rucksack or soft bag rather than a suitcase.

OtherSuncream/sunblock is a must. When out on tour, it is
important to have suncream with you, as there will not be any services
nearby in which to provide it.

Insect repellent, including a bite spray will be useful to have. You
should also bring a waterbottle along with you for excursions.

If you will be using a camera which needs film, it is recommended that a
supply is taken with you, as it is not available locally.

FitnessThis tour does not require any special degree of
fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines

You may come across beggars while on tour. Every traveller has different
perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many
sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then
follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving
money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging
mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to
school.

Haggling is a way of life in Africa when making many purchases,
especially with tourist souvenirs. Usually, but not always, the vendor
will start with a price that is higher than they are prepared to accept,
and the buyer is expected to haggle. There are no hard and fast rules
with this – some vendors may initially quote a vastly overinflated
price, others may start with a price close to the true value, while
others may just present you with one price and not be prepared to
discuss it. Although many tourists may feel uncomfortable with this,
it’s important to remember that this is best entered into in a relaxed
manner. Once you have agreed upon a price, it is extremely bad form to
then not pay this. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of money
to you can be a relatively large amount for the vendor, and that it is
not necessarily best practice to ‘beat the vendor down’ to the lowest
possible price. Remember that they also have a living to make.

You will be spending time in some of the most pristine rainforest
environments on earth on our tours in the Central African Republic. It
is important to ensure that they stay this way. Please make sure that
you take any rubbish back to the lodges and camps with you where they
can be properly disposed of – this includes cigarette butts as well.

Please do not buy any products made from endangered species – this is
not sustainable and hastens the species’ decline.

PhotographyYou should always ask permission before taking
anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more
remote areas women and older people often do not want to be
photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a
little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of
military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to
problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is
acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

TippingAllow around EUR40-50 for tips to lodge staff and
guides.

Foreign Office AdviceWe constantly monitor the advice posted
by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we
will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of
writing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to
the areas within the Central African Republic that we visit on our
tours. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific
concerns or if would like to know in detail what measures are being
taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens.
Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their
respective government.

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of
writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further
information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any
travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you
should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories
may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time
of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover
with your insurance provider.

'While at Inle Lake our guide arranged for us to join him on an evening visit to the annual Taunggyi balloon festival. Once in the air one of the balloons released thousands of fireworks, some descending by mini parachutes. This was an event that will leave a lasting memory in our minds. The whole holiday to Burma was very enjoyable. Could not fault anything' - Jean and Theo Byrne, UK